On 23 February 2022 the Department of Public Works Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) at the North Coast Region conducted a training session for the contractors at Mbazwana town under Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality. The Department is adhering to a plea by MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Mr Jomo Sibiya that the Department must to go to the people of Kwa-Zulu Natal as it has been observed that there is a small percentage of African contractors in the Eyesizwe Contractor Development Programme (ECDP) database. The training is aimed at equipping emerging contractors with the necessary skills in filling tender documents and processes to be followed at the construction site.
(Ms D. Mncube leading the opening prayer before the training start)
Mr S. Ntuli, Occupational Health and Safety Officer (OHS) from North Coast Region gave a presentation on Construction Safety for contractors. The presentation covered the importance of following the Occupational Health and Safety act no. 85 of 1993 that provides for the health and safety of persons at work and in connection with the use of the plant and machinery. Mr Ntuli also explained the importance of following the regulations that are applicable to the Occupational Health and Safety act.
(Mr S. Ntuli – Occupational Health and Safety Officer: North Coast Region)
He further explained that every contractor must have a Health and Safety Plan Management that need to be on site for the duration of the project and to be manage and updated accordingly by a competent person registered with The South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) Safety Officer, the officer will check all mandatory registers, checklists, permits to be conducted prior to activities on site. The plan also includes a letter of good standing, notification of construction work, safety, health and environmental policy, medical fitness tests and mandatory appointment letters. It is important for the contractors to follow the Health and Safety Plan Management accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays at the construction site.
On the behalf of the training participants Mr B. Qwabe gave a vote of thanks, he thanked the Department of Public Works for the informative session.
(Mr B. Qwabe – giving a vote of thanks and closing remarks).